The Tourist Gaze

With the sea breeze brushing against us and the sound of waves crashing all around, we’re hanging out at the shores of Baler, a chill spot famous for its awesome surf and laid-back atmosphere. This weekend is going to be something special; we’re celebrating love and commitment as we head out to honor our parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. We’re super grateful and excited because this trip is going to be a new chapter in our family’s story, filled with awesome memories and special moments that we’ll always remember.

Joining us are my sister’s boyfriend, our family friend Tita Noemi, our driver Kuya Noel, our helpers Ate Lita and Rona, and our five Chihuahuas. We headed out from home with this fun crew right at sunrise.

We finally rolled into Baler around noon after a long but super pretty drive through Central Luzon. Before diving into the beach vibe of the town, we thought it’d be a good idea to grab a bite at Kusina Luntian, a chill little restaurant just a few minutes from our hotel. We dig into big portions of Filipino food, enjoying every single bite.

Feeling pumped, we head over to Costa Pacifica, our spot for the weekend. Right by the famous Sabang Beach, the hotel has a chill coastal vibe that makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Our roomy digs were super comfy for chilling out, and Joseph and I were pumped to kick back in our shared space. But the charm of the town called to me, so I decided to head out on my own for an afternoon adventure to the town center (everyone else was totally cool with just chilling for a bit first).

I first visited Baler a decade ago, but I’m still fascinated by the town’s cultural gems as I dive back into them. I check out the Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon House, a pretty chill traditional house sitting at a street corner right in the heart of town. The house is packed with paintings and portraits of the former First Lady and her husband, Manuel L. Quezon. It acts as a museum and a memorial to celebrate her memory and legacy. It has personal stuff, cool memorabilia, and photos that give a peek into her life and the Quezon family’s story. The house is a stunning and well-kept example of old-school architecture. It features classic Filipino design vibes, like wooden floors, tall ceilings, and cool intricate details.

Next up, I’m heading to the Baler Church, which is also called the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church. Its tiny size and plain look hide a pretty interesting past. Right before the American takeover, the church was a safe spot for Spanish soldiers and locals during the Siege of Baler, happening from 1898 to 1899. The siege was a part of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. In the middle of the conflict, about 50 Spanish soldiers found a place to hide out inside the church. They stayed inside for nearly a year, not realizing that the Treaty of Paris had been signed, wrapping up the Spanish-American War and handing the Philippines over to the United States. The soldiers finally came out of the church on June 2, 1899, wrapping up the siege. Their surrender was met with a lot of respect and admiration, as the Filipino revolutionaries totally recognized their courage and endurance.

I finally check out the Museo de Baler. The museum gives visitors a better look at the events that shaped Baler, especially the Siege of Baler. It has a bunch of artifacts and relics connected to this moment, giving a peek into the lives of the Spanish soldiers who found shelter in the Baler Church and the Filipino revolutionaries around them. Also, the museum gives a peek into the bigger picture of Baler’s cultural heritage. There are all sorts of cool exhibits featuring archaeological finds, traditional crafts, and indigenous artifacts that really showcase the town’s indigenous roots and cultural diversity.

After checking out the town’s cool cultural spots, I meet up with some of the group at Hungry Surfer, a laid-back spot just a quick walk from Costa Pacifica, for some afternoon snacks like cheese sticks, fries, and buttered chicken. So, I go to the beach with my parents, trying to snap some pics on my phone of their love and happiness for this special milestone. The laughter and chill chats against the sound of the waves create the perfect vibe as we soak up the easygoing joy of the moment.

As the day winds down, we head over to the hotel pool for a nice swim, letting the warm water melt away the tiredness from all the fun we had earlier. About an hour later, after freshening up and putting on some new clothes, we all meet up for a celebratory dinner at the hotel restaurant. The staff totally surprises our parents with this awesome red cake, topped with chocolate shavings, a sweet nod to love and commitment. The tasty meal, along with some good chats, really brings back memories of the day our parents tied the knot.

The next morning, after grabbing another bite at the hotel buffet, Joseph, Yanyan, and Keanu sign up for some surfing lessons. While they ride the wild waves, I’m just chilling as their personal documentarian, snapping pics and videos of their wins and wipeouts.

By noon, it’s time to say goodbye. Before heading home, we chill at Bay’s Inn, the nearby hotel, for a laid-back lunch of tinola, sisig, and tanigue steak. As we hit the road back home, the good vibes and love from the weekend linger in our thoughts. It’s a quick trip, but it definitely gives us some great memories to hold onto.